Post Series: Reflections on India
Continuing my post series to give some more in-depth reflections on my experience in India. As many of you know, I have partnered with the raw material supplier K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt. Ltd. to bring to market more visibility and understanding for Indian Botanicals.
Many people approach me asking what is going to be the next ‘hot’ nutraceutical or dietary supplement.
One of the most popular herbal categories currently is that of “adaptogens”. Predicted to be growing at 7.3% CAG, the global adaptogen market was reported at $10.3 billion in 2021 and estimated to grow to $20.3 billion by 2031.
Adaptogens are herbs or other natural substances that help the body and mind to adapt to stress. They are thought to do this by exerting a modulating effect on bodily processes, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Contrast this with a key therapeutic concept in Ayurveda called “rasayanas”. Rasayanas are therapies or techniques for promoting longevity, rejuvenation, and vitality. Rasayanas may refer to combinations of specific herbs along with minerals, gemstones, coral, pearl, ghee and/or honey.
Coincidently, many of the rasayana herbs are also adaptogens, including Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Guduchi, Amla and Shatavari. Yet, there are other herbs and natural substances used as rasaysna herbs in Ayurveda for their rejuvenating properties, including Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculate), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). Shilajit, Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) and Gotu kola.
As 75-90% of doctor visits in the US are in some way related to stress, and 13.5 million workdays in Europe are lost due to stress complaints, it seems stress is a top condition in modern times that is not going away.
For this reason, I think markets would be wise to look towards the rasayana herbs in the quest for stress solutions and a source for future product development.
To learn more about the Indian Botanicals, see my Indian botanical deep dive posts or visit www.phytoextractskp.com to subscribe to our newsletter.
hashtag#ethnobotanyhashtag#medicinalplantshashtag#biodiversityhashtag#herbalismhashtag#indiahashtag#ayurvedahashtag#adaptogenshashtag#rasayana